Relight: meaning, definitions and examples

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relight

 

[riːˈlaɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to start burning again

To ignite or cause to ignite again. To restart a fire that has gone out. To relight a candle or a fire. To reignite a flame or a spark.

Synonyms

fire up, ignite, rekindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relight

used when a flame or light has gone out and needs to be started again, typically in the context of a candle or a small fire.

  • She had to relight the candle after the wind blew it out
ignite

used in a literal sense to start a fire or cause something to burn, or figuratively to trigger a strong emotion or situation.

  • The spark plug ignites the fuel in the engine
  • His speech ignited the crowd's enthusiasm
rekindle

typically used to describe reviving something that is fading or has faded, such as a relationship, memory, or enthusiasm.

  • They went on a trip to rekindle their romance
  • The reunion helped rekindle old friendships
fire up

used to describe starting something that requires fuel or energy, like an engine or a grill. Can also have a metaphorical meaning of becoming excited or angry.

  • He fired up the grill for the barbecue
  • She really fired up when she heard the news

Examples of usage

  • The camper used a match to relight the campfire.
  • After the wind blew out the candle, she had to relight it.
  • He had to relight the pilot light on the stove.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'relight' comes from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', combined with 'light', which refers to making something bright.
  • The use of 'light' to mean 'to illuminate' dates back to Old English, showing how language evolves over time.
  • In various languages, similar constructs exist; for instance, in French, 'rallumer' means to light again.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, lighting candles is symbolic of hope and remembrance, often used in rituals to signify renewal.
  • The act of relighting candles can be seen in celebrations, like birthdays, where extinguishing and relighting signifies the passage of time.
  • In literature and film, relighting a fire often symbolizes rekindling relationships or passions.

Science

  • Flames occur when a material (fuel) combines with oxygen at a high temperature, which is why relighting requires both fuel and a spark.
  • In terms of physics, light is an electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, making relighting an act of harnessing energy.
  • Studies have shown that certain materials, like wax, burn more efficiently when relit under optimal conditions.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'relighting' can metaphorically represent rekindling one's motivation or spirit after feeling low.
  • Research indicates that activities like lighting a candle can have calming effects, helping individuals to refocus their thoughts.
  • Nostalgia is often evoked when relighting candles at significant events, tying memories to sensory experiences.

Literature

  • In poetry, light often symbolizes knowledge or enlightenment, and relighting can signify the return of clarity in thought.
  • Famous authors incorporate themes of light and darkness to discuss human emotions and experiences, symbolizing hope through relighting.
  • Classic stories frequently use the motif of rekindling a flame to illustrate personal growth or moral recovery in characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "relight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reativar

🇮🇳 फिर से जलाना

🇩🇪 wiederanzünden

🇮🇩 menyalakan kembali

🇺🇦 перезапалити

🇵🇱 ponownie zapalić

🇯🇵 再点火する

🇫🇷 rallumer

🇪🇸 reencender

🇹🇷 yeniden yakmak

🇰🇷 다시 불을 붙이다

🇸🇦 إعادة إشعال

🇨🇿 znovu zapálit

🇸🇰 opäť zapáliť

🇨🇳 重新点燃

🇸🇮 ponovno prižgati

🇮🇸 endurbirta

🇰🇿 қайта жағу

🇬🇪 ხელახლა ანთება

🇦🇿 yenidən yandırmaq

🇲🇽 reencender